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Construction works are well underway as a project to refurbish two footbridges in Jarrow. marks a key milestone.

The Monkton Terrace footbridges closed to pedestrians in December 2021 after structural experts raised concerns about the condition of the parapets.

Following installation of temporary specialist scaffold to make the supports safe, the west footbridge has reopened with the walking route reinstated for pedestrians.

The east footbridge remains closed at this time to allow permanent refurbishment works to get started on the east side. Once complete, pedestrians will be diverted to the east footbridge to allow for permanent works on the west side.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, said: "The temporary structural support work has been necessary to strengthen the parapets, allowing us to reopen the route to pedestrians and begin the permanent refurbishment works on both footbridges.

"Due to the complex nature of repairing the structures which take pedestrians over an active railway line, it has taken some time to get to this point. However, we are now at a stage where we can carry out the permanent construction works."

Overnight road closures will be required over the coming months for some of the work to be undertaken while the live Metro line below is not in operation, with dates yet to be finalised.

Councillor Gibson added: "We appreciate the overnight closures may cause some inconvenience in the local area.

"We want to assure residents that we are working hard to keep disruption to an absolute minimum while also taking into consideration the safety of the public and engineers on site and operations on the line below.

"We thank both drivers and pedestrians for their patience at this time."

The work is expected to finish later this year when both footbridges will be fully operational again.

For further information about the project visit Monkton Terrace footbridges closure - Â鶹ÊÓƵ